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Luiz ArburUN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Date of Birth: 10.02.1947
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Concerns over Human Rights Violations in Chechnya
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, expressed concern over violations committed by law enforcement authorities in Chechnya during her visit to Russia. Arbour visited the North Caucasus region to personally assess the situation in one of the country's most troubled areas. She acknowledged the ongoing reconstruction and the establishment of political structures in Grozny, but noted that the Chechen Republic has yet to transition from a rule of force to a rule of law.
Arbour highlighted two major concerns: the use of torture to obtain confessions or information, and threats against those who file complaints against officials. She also drew attention to the issue of enforced disappearances, which human rights activists believe involve pro-Moscow armed groups under the command of Chechen Acting Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov.
While Arbour did not directly accuse Kadyrov, she remarked that it is difficult to believe that people in Chechnya are dying faster than anywhere else in the world without reason. She also expressed ongoing concerns about the law on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Russia, particularly regarding registration and tax reporting requirements.
Monitoring the Implementation of the NGO Law
Arbour stated that there are still areas of relative uncertainty regarding the implementation of the NGO law, which will come into effect in April. She emphasized the need for close scrutiny of its practical application, both within Russia and internationally. To facilitate effective monitoring, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will establish a representative office in Moscow in the coming months.
Arbour reminded that the agreement to open the office was reached during her previous visit to Russia.
